Chief Communications Officer

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary

The Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ, seeks a Chief Communications Officer to communicate the mission and impact of IAS and serve as the strategic lead in sustaining the Institute’s reputation as a singular venue for discovery and the free and vibrant exchange of ideas.

Reporting to the Associate Director/Assistant Secretary, the CCO will collaborate with Faculty and Administrative Officers in leading the communications, marketing, editorial, website, and creative services functions, including video development and the promotion of public events, to advance the work of the Faculty and Board of Trustees. Responsibilities include content strategy, philanthropic marketing, reputation management, and leadership communications.

Essential Job Duties

Content development (30%)

Serve as the Institute’s principal institutional writer and lead communications liaison to the Faculty and senior administrators in amplifying the history and relevance of research and discovery

Design and operationalize a multimedia content strategy to amplify key messages for priority audiences across digital and print channels

Direct content development, from research to purpose and placement, to support communications and fundraising objectives while deepening connections with the IAS community

External relations and reputation management (20%)

Collaborate with internal and external constituents (Faculty, current and past Members, Trustees, community partners, and academic institutions) to amplify institutional values and help sustain the Institute’s reputation as a destination for thought leaders from diverse sectors to exchange and test ideas

Act as an authorized spokesperson for the Institute and partner with Faculty and senior administrators to coordinate media inquiries and IAS communications, such as press releases and social media / website content, while ensuring consistency of institutional voice, editorial style, and visual identity across platforms

Strategy and resource planning (15%)

As communications channels evolve, develop a comprehensive communications strategy to amplify IAS forms of discovery and harmonize the diverse needs and expectations of the Institute community

Identify new and leverage existing communications technologies and tools to bring content (articles, videos, news briefs, archival material, exhibits, photography, and externally published material) to priority audiences and measure their impact

Personnel management (15%)

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Communications team in developing long-term goals that align with the Institute’s priority initiatives

Oversee resource planning and operating budgets to ensure that the Communications function remains responsive to the existing and emerging needs of Faculty, Staff, Members, and the Board of Trustees

Oversee selection and supervision of freelance writers, videographers, photographers, and designers

Provide leadership for cross-departmental and cross-campus initiatives (e.g., technology platforms)

Leadership and internal communications (10%)

Serve as a senior advisor to the Director and Associate Director/Assistant Secretary on the development of digital and print content, presentations, and remarks

All other duties as assigned by the Associate Director/Assistant Secretary (10%)Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, and superb analytical and organizational skills; ability to write clearly for all audiences about research in the sciences and humanities

10+ years of experience in communications, staff management, strategic planning, crisis communications, and budgeting; demonstrated skill in message and audience development

Demonstrated ability to operate independently, set goals, and be disciplined in achieving them with minimal supervision

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with strong detail orientation, sound judgement, diplomacy, discernment, and discretion

Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality in all matters related to the Director’s Office, the Board of Trustees, and all matters requiring sensitivity and discretion

Demonstrated ability to work well with people from a multitude of backgrounds

Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet short deadlines

Strong and efficient research and presentational skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; deep understanding of communications technologies and measurement tools

Preferred Qualification

Strong familiarity with the Institute and its mission

Advanced degree

Supervisory Responsibilities

Communications and Public Relations Manager

Associate Editor of Publications

Digital Engagement Specialist

Editorial Assistant

The Institute for Advanced Study retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position at any time.

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

At the Institute for Advanced Study’s creation in 1930, the founders wrote: “fundamental in our purpose, and our express desire, [is] that in the appointments to the Staff and Faculty as well as in the admission of workers and students, no account shall be taken, directly or indirectly, of race, religion, or sex.” We recognize these ideals require continual examination of our culture. Today, we strive to create a community in which all people feel welcomed, respected, and valued. We seek to address the harmful effects of inequity and discrimination on individual Scholars, Faculty, Staff, and scholarship as a whole. We affirm equality and embrace our differences as we work to transform principles into action and grow new forms of scholarly community.